BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University women's basketball used a dominant second half to pull away from Truett McConnell, earning a 57–42 victory Saturday afternoon inside The Dome in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.
The Rams weathered an early push from the Bears before settling into the game offensively. Maddie Day sparked Bluefield in the opening quarter, knocking down a pair of three-pointers, including one off a Charli Wynn assist, to help BU build momentum. Ashanti Northcross attacked the paint late in the period, scoring on a strong finish to give the Rams a 14–12 edge after one.
Truett McConnell briefly regained control in the second quarter, capitalizing on turnovers to take a lead midway through the frame. BU answered with timely free throws from Gabriela Rosado and Zoey Snavely, while Abby O'Quinn connected on a three to keep the Rams within striking distance. Despite the response, the Bears carried a slim advantage into halftime.
Bluefield flipped the game in the third quarter with its best defensive stretch of the afternoon. The Rams held Truett McConnell scoreless from the field in the period, allowing just three points overall. Anna Smith was a force inside, scoring six points in the quarter while controlling the glass. Northcross added key free throws, and Wynn finished a fast-break layup to push BU in front for good. The Rams outscored the Bears 13–3 in the quarter to take a 39–30 lead into the fourth.
The Rams sealed the win in the final period behind Day's perimeter shooting and confident execution at the free-throw line. Day drilled three three-pointers in the quarter and went a perfect 5-for-5 at the line as Bluefield stretched the margin to double figures. Northcross added a fast-break layup and assisted on another Day three as the Rams closed the game on an 18-12 fourth quarter.
Day led BU with 20 points, knocking down five three-pointers. Northcross followed with 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Smith posted a strong all-around effort with eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while Gunter added seven rebounds and three assists. O'Quinn and Snavely chipped in three points apiece.
Bluefield returns to the road Wednesday, traveling to Johnson for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.
